Firing gun started on NFU Scotland presidential elections
© Tim Scrivener The countdown has begun for the NFU Scotland elections as current president Martin Kennedy prepares to step down.
Nominations are now open for the NFU Scotland (NFUS) president and two vice-president roles, with voting set to occur during the union’s annual meeting on 7 February 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.
Any NFUS member can be nominated, provided they are proposed and seconded by fellow members.
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The president serves a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms, while the vice-presidents will initially serve two years before transitioning to annual elections.
Highland Perthshire farmer Mr Kennedy, who has been in office for two terms, will be stepping down, and the current vice-presidents Andrew Connon and Alasdair Macnab have both expressed their intention to run for president.
Regional hustings
In January 2025, all members will have the chance to engage with the candidates at local regional husting events.
Candidates for all positions will be announced in mid-December, leading up to what promises to be an important election for Scottish agriculture.
Members of NFUS’ council – a body made up from representatives of each of the Union’s 73 branches – will select the successful candidates.
Anyone wishing to stand as president or vice-president should contact NFUS chief executive John Davidson on john.davidson@nfus.org.uk to obtain a proposal form, which must then be signed and returned to him by 5pm on Friday 6 December 2024.